The National Security Cutter, for example, will enable the Coast Guard to screen and target vessels faster, more safely and reliably before they arrive in U.S. waters – to include conducting onboard verification through boardings and, if necessary, taking enforcement-control actions.

In addition to its well-known search-and-rescue and anti-terrorist missions, the Coast Guard is involved in issues of customs, immigration, and drug enforcement, and the new cutters will be part of all these efforts.